Idaho Air Show Canceled After Two Navy Jets Crash Sunday

Four pilots ejected safely after two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided midair. This is the first major incident at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
By Newsroom | Aviation, Idaho |

Four Eject Safely Following Midair Collision Over Mountain Home Air Force Base

Four crew members from two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets ejected safely on Sunday, May 17th, after the aircraft collided midair during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho. The incident, captured on bystander video, occurred approximately two miles northwest of the base. All four aviators involved are reported to be in stable condition.

Fighter Jets Collide Midair in Idaho, Crew Members Ejected Safely - 1

The crash led to the immediate cancellation of the remaining events at the air show. The base was placed on lockdown following the collision. The EA-18G Growlers were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129, based at Whidbey Island, Washington.

Fighter Jets Collide Midair in Idaho, Crew Members Ejected Safely - 2

Videos circulating online depict the two jets becoming entangled in the air before four parachutes deployed as the planes descended. The aircraft impacted the ground, erupting in a fireball. Authorities have contained the resulting fires.

Read More: Two Navy Jets Crash Over Idaho Air Show, Pilots Safe

Fighter Jets Collide Midair in Idaho, Crew Members Ejected Safely - 3

The Gunfighter Skies Air Show, a free public event, was scheduled to feature demonstrations from various military capabilities, including a headline performance by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The 366th Fighter Wing is stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, situated about 50 miles south of Boise.

Fighter Jets Collide Midair in Idaho, Crew Members Ejected Safely - 4

An investigation into the midair collision is underway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Idaho air show get canceled on Sunday, May 17th?
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho was canceled after two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided in the air. The crash happened about two miles from Mountain Home Air Force Base.
Q: Did anyone get hurt when the two Navy jets crashed in Idaho?
No, all four pilots from the two jets ejected safely before the planes hit the ground. They are all reported to be in stable condition.
Q: What happened to the two Navy jets that crashed at the Idaho air show?
The two EA-18G Growler jets collided midair during a demonstration on Sunday, May 17th. Videos show the planes becoming tangled before the pilots ejected. The jets then crashed and burned on the ground.
Q: Where did the Navy jet collision happen?
The midair collision happened during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho. The planes crashed about two miles northwest of the base.
Q: What happens next after the Navy jets crashed in Idaho?
An investigation into why the two EA-18G Growler jets collided is now underway. The remaining events of the air show were called off immediately after the incident.